Today marked yet another successful turn out for the AFSP (The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

AFSP's Donor drives and Out of the Darkness Community walks have been taking place nationwide throughout the year. Today, myself and some 200 plus supporters walked the 5K leg around the lake at John Prince Park honoring those who died by suicide.

Beneath the dark cloudy skies that opened with a torrential downpour families, friends, and advocates took time out of their lives to help unveil the stigma.

FACTS: Over 33,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. Currently, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.

A person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes in the United States.

An attempt is estimated to be made once every minute.
Ninety percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.

There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but three times as many females as males attempt suicide.

Every day, approximately 90 Americans take their own life, and 2,300 more attempt to do so. These are very scary statistics! It is time to unveil the stigma associated with suicide.

Today's walk served as a reminder that there is a serious problem in this country regarding mental illness. Today, we honored those who were subject to this vicious disease.

Proceeds from the walk will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to fund research, education, survivor and awareness programs — both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

Saturday October 24th 2009